The Shocking Hair Color Mistakes That Can Age Women Over 60 Overnight

As we get older, it’s natural to want to cover up those first signs of gray hair. But after the age of 60, the wrong hair color choices can actually make you look much older than you are. A top hair stylist is sounding the alarm on the three biggest hair color mistakes that can instantly age women over 60.

In fact, many women end up accidentally looking older and more dated when they try to hide their grays. The key is finding the right hair color and technique that flatters your mature features. With the wrong color, you could end up looking severely washed out or with an unnatural, unflattering result.

The #1 Hair Color Mistake That Ages Women Over 60

One of the biggest hair color no-nos for women over 60 is going too dark. “Solid, jet black hair can look extremely harsh and aging on mature skin tones,” warns top celebrity colorist Emily Russ. “It creates a stark, severe contrast that accentuates wrinkles and can make you appear much older.”

Instead, Russ recommends women opt for deep, rich brown tones with plenty of dimension and softer, warmer undertones. “Anything too one-dimensional or inky will just make you look older. You want your color to have some depth and movement to it.”

Her pro tip? Ask your colorist to weave in some caramel or chestnut highlights to add flattering brightness around the face.

The Hair Color That Can Instantly Yellow and Age Skin

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Russ cautions against going too light with your hair color as you get older. “Extremely light, icy blonde shades can actually enhance and exaggerate skin discoloration and age spots,” she explains.

The brassiness and yellow tones in these ultra-light blondes tend to cast an unflattering, sallow glow on mature complexions. Russ recommends sticking to more golden, honey-kissed blonde tones instead, which are much more flattering.

“Anything too platinum or pure white will just make you look washed out and accentuate any age-related skin issues,” she adds.

The Hair Color Mistake That Makes You Look “Frumpy”

Finally, Russ warns against relying on a single, flat hair color as you get older. “Solid, one-dimensional hair color without any highlights or lowlights can look extremely dated and frumpy,” she says.

The key is to add some dimension and movement to your hair color, whether it’s with subtle highlights, balayage, or even a few face-framing pieces. “This creates the illusion of fuller, more youthful-looking hair,” Russ explains.

Without those tonal variations, your hair can end up looking dull, lackluster, and aging. “It’s an easy mistake to make, but one that can shave years off your appearance if you get the right color technique.”

Should You Embrace Your Gray Hair Instead?

Of course, the other option is to simply embrace your gray hair as you get older. Many women find that going gray can be incredibly chic and sophisticated, especially when it’s healthy and well-maintained.

“Gray hair can be incredibly flattering, but it does require a bit more care and upkeep,” notes Russ. “You have to make sure it doesn’t look dull, brassy, or yellowed. Regular glossing and toning treatments are a must.”

She also recommends using a purple shampoo to keep gray hair bright and silvery. “The right gray can be incredibly youthful and modern-looking. But you have to be willing to put in the work to keep it looking its best.”

How to Find the Perfect Hair Color After 60

Ultimately, the key is finding the hair color that best complements your skin tone, eye color, and mature features. Russ suggests booking a consultation with a professional colorist who can assess your unique needs.

“They’ll be able to recommend the most flattering shades and techniques to make you look and feel your absolute best,” she says. “It’s not about hiding your age, it’s about enhancing your natural beauty in the most youthful way possible.”

With the right hair color and technique, you can easily shave years off your appearance without looking too drastic or artificial. Just be sure to steer clear of those three big no-nos if you want to avoid that harsh, aging effect.

“Solid, jet black hair can look extremely harsh and aging on mature skin tones. It creates a stark, severe contrast that accentuates wrinkles and can make you appear much older.” – Emily Russ, Celebrity Colorist

Wise words to keep in mind as we navigate the tricky world of hair color after 60. With the right approach, you can easily shave years off your appearance and feel more vibrant and youthful.

“Extremely light, icy blonde shades can actually enhance and exaggerate skin discoloration and age spots. Anything too platinum or pure white will just make you look washed out and accentuate any age-related skin issues.” – Emily Russ, Celebrity Colorist

It’s all about finding that Goldilocks zone – not too dark, not too light, but just the right, flattering shade to complement your mature features.

“Solid, one-dimensional hair color without any highlights or lowlights can look extremely dated and frumpy. The key is to add some dimension and movement to your hair color, whether it’s with subtle highlights, balayage, or even a few face-framing pieces.” – Emily Russ, Celebrity Colorist

For the most youthful, rejuvenating look, Russ recommends consulting with a professional colorist who can assess your unique needs and create a customized color plan. With the right approach, you can easily shave years off your appearance without looking too severe or unnatural.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hair colors for women over 60?

The most flattering hair colors for women over 60 tend to be rich, warm brown tones with plenty of dimension and highlights. Avoid jet black or very dark brown, as well as icy, platinum blonde shades, which can be aging. Stick to more golden, honey-kissed blonde tones or dimensional brunettes with caramel or chestnut highlights.

Should I embrace my gray hair instead of coloring it?

Gray hair can be incredibly chic and sophisticated, but it does require some special care and maintenance. You’ll need to use a purple shampoo and get regular glossing treatments to keep it bright, silver, and youthful-looking. Many women find embracing their grays to be a liberating, modern look. But it’s a personal choice – some prefer to cover them up with a flattering hair color instead.

How often should I touch up my hair color after 60?

Most women need to touch up their hair color every 4-6 weeks as their roots start to grow out. However, the exact timeline can vary depending on your hair type, color, and how quickly your hair grows. Consulting with a professional colorist can help you determine the optimal touch-up schedule for your individual needs.

What are some easy DIY hair color tips for women over 60?

If you prefer to color your hair at home, be very careful about going too dark or too light. Stick to semi-permanent or demi-permanent formulas that deposit color without lightening. Focus on adding dimension with highlights or balayage rather than an all-over color. And always do a strand test first to ensure the results are flattering.

How can I make my hair color look more natural and youthful?

The key is to avoid harsh, unnatural-looking colors and techniques. Ask your colorist to use soft, blended highlights and lowlights rather than harsh, solid lines. This creates a more dimensional, natural-looking result. You can also try a glossing treatment to add shine and vibrancy without drastically changing your color.

What makeup tips work best with hair color for women over 60?

Certain makeup techniques can really complement and enhance your hair color as you get older. For example, warmer, bronzier makeup shades tend to pair beautifully with richer brown hair colors. Cooler, more silvery makeup looks great with gray or white hair. And always focus on luminous, glowing skin to balance out your hair color.

How can I prevent my hair color from looking dull or brassy?

Regular color-protecting shampoo and conditioner is a must, as is getting glossing treatments to add shine and vibrancy. You can also use a purple shampoo once a week to neutralize any unwanted yellow or brassy tones, especially if you have gray or blonde hair.

What are the biggest hair color mistakes to avoid after 60?

The three biggest hair color mistakes to avoid are: 1) going too dark with jet black or very dark brown, 2) choosing icy, platinum blonde shades, and 3) relying on a flat, one-dimensional color without any highlights or lowlights. These can all make you look older and more dated.